MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING @ Great Lakes Theater

March 27-April 10, 2022

216-241-6000 or https://www.greatlakestheater.org/shows-events/shows/2021-22/much-ado-about-nothing

Roy Berko

As evidenced by MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, now on stage at Great Lakes Theater, Shakespeare as writer, and Fee, as director, are a perfect match.  If you want to see Elizabethan comedy at its finest, GO!  This is a must-see experience!

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Sheri Gross

Great Lakes Theater is currently featuring “Much Ado About Nothing,” known as one of the most creative, satisfying comedies ever penned by William Shakespeare. Producing Artistic Director Charles Fee, along with his top-notch, talented cast, breathes life into the “Bard’s” words to create a production that is nothing short of flawless.  

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

Combining the masterful directing of Charles Fee with the outstanding talent of a superb cast and the comedic timing of Shakespeare you have in essence theatrical heaven. This is the feel good comedy of the season and you need to definitely go see it.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Great Lakes Theater’s Much Ado About Nothing takes a wry look at courtship and marriage. Director Charles Fee’s quick-moving production offers an evening of laughter as generated by the talented cast. Yes, once again, while jealousy and gossip fail to thwart true love’s success, the complications they provide add to our entertainment and the play’s success.

To see a full review of this show, go here or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

The Weir @ None Too Fragile

Through April 2, 2022

https://www.nonetoofragile.com/

(330)962-5547

 

Kerry Clawson

Irish playwright Conor McPherson's "The Weir" at None Too Fragile Theatre is a haunting drama, not primarily for its ghost stories but more for its characters' anecdotes of loss and regret.

Director Sean Derry has put together a winning cast of fine actors to play the four Irish men and one woman who pass time in a small, rural Irish pub. As the beer and whiskey flow, we're privy to their banter, peevishness, one-upmanship, antics and underlying sense of loneliness as the five gather for one evening for some warmth, companionship and comfort.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Mark Horning

If your looking for a delightful “slice of Irish life” play in order to escape the troubles of the world you can do no better than this currently staged production. There is humor, sadness, melancholy, fiestyness, friendship, love and caring much like you would find on the Emerald Isle. Ná tuitfidh an díon os bhur gcionn go brách 'S nach dtitfeadh na cairde atá bailithe thíos ann go brách (May the roof above you never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out).

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

 

Dog Act @ Convergence-Continuum

Through April 16, 2022

https://www.convergence-continuum.org/

(216) 687-0074

 

Roy Berko

As Bud and Coke, two characters in DOG ACT might ask, “Why in F**ckity, F**ck, did con-con choose to do this convoluted script?” 

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Convergence-Continuum bills itself as Cleveland’s up-close and OUT there Theatre. Over the years they have built a fanatical following of fans who are nearly as fun to watch as the show. This show is right up their dark and scary alley. For fans of more conventional theater this might be considered a walk on the wild side. If you feel a little daring, buy a ticket and take a chance.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

These Shining Lives @ Clague Playhouse

Through April 3, 2022

www.clagueplayhouse.org 

(440) 331-0403

 WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  This review falls into that category.

Mark Horning

This is National Women’s Month and what better way to celebrate it than to see a production that shines the light on heroes of the female gender. In this play we are introduced to women who gave their all in the pursuit of justice so that future generations would be entitled to a safe work place. Well worth the time and price to see this show.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

ANTIGONE

Cleveland Play House

March 5-27, 202

216-241-6000 or clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

ANTIGONE, as adapted by Emily Mann, carries as important a message of the rejection or blind acceptance of the authority of civic and religious customs and leaders today as it did when the Greek Sophocles wrote the script in the fifth-century BC.  The CPH production was often successful, at other times inconsistent.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

There is Theater, then there is Theatre and the Cleveland Playhouse production of “Antigone” falls strongly to the latter. In these times of world-wide pandemics, countries inching closer to the threat of world war and the dissolution of basic human rights we need a reminder from the past to show us our follies. Sophocles was on point in 442 B.C. and Emily Mann’s adaptation rings true today.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

The themes that have entranced audiences for centuries are laid out in clear and often intense fashion by the talented CPH cast under the sharp direction of Lauren Keating.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Sophocles’ Antigone (c. 441 BC), now at the Outcalt Theatre in Playhouse Square, is a humbling reminder that human societies still have not become perfect. Director Lauren Keating makes this clear in the current Cleveland Play House presentation.

Adapted by Emily Mann, this stripped-down Greek family drama focuses on Creon, commandingly portrayed by Vanessa Morosco, and on relationships between country and family. Does family loyalty come first? Creon’s passionate young niece Antigone, played by an engaging Mariah Burks, argues yes. Or does a leader’s responsibility to the nation outweigh personal relationships? As ruler of the kingdom, Morosco’s stately Creon argues it does. Their tragic collision of loyalties justifies CPH’s trigger warnings about suicide and self-harm.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Pretty Woman The Musical @ Playhouse Square

Through March 27, 2022

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

PRETTY WOMAN is not a great musical.  It is definitely not CHORUS LINE, or MY FAIR LADY or WEST SIDE STORY, but this production, even with the obvious story line and mediocre score, is worth a sit-through.  The audience, after rendering the required “we are nice Clevelanders and give almost every production a standing ovation,” left with high positive chatter!

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Although the stage musical adheres quite closely to the original film, the tour's leading lady, Olivia Valli, makes the role of Vivian her own with a gamine physical awkwardness, bubbliness and playfulness that make us love her. She's an endearing actress with a powerful voice who's the granddaughter of famed singer Frankie Valli.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

The new Broadway version of the classic 1990 film hit "Pretty Woman" wasn't supposed to be good. But it is.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross

It is hard to avoid comparing the stage musical version of "Pretty Woman," which opened in Chicago and moved to Broadway in 2018, to the film. But in order to appreciate the production as an uplifting, entertaining night of live theater, one must try hard to separate the two.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

During these challenging times it is nice to get out and experience some pleasure in the form of a Broadway touring show. This roughly based Cinderella story comes alive on stage and allows you to escape the world if only for a couple of short hours. Bring someone you love and share it with them.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Pretty Woman: The Musical asks us to go along with an unbelievable Hollywood tale. Now at Playhouse Square through March 27, it draws from the 1990s Julia Roberts/Richard Gere film hit of the same name. Alas, the musical’s fairy-tale plot seems old-fashioned and naïve today.

But on the plus side, director Jerry Mitchell distracts the audience from the story with vignettes featuring amiable characters, snappy tunes and precise dancing. As prostitute Vivian Ward, Olivia Valli shows the original Pretty Woman’s sass and style (if not Roberts’ sweet Georgia accent). Understudy Chris Manuel stepped in on opening night as the wealthy Edward Lewis. Jessica Crouch plays Vivian Ward’s friend and hooker coach Kit De Luca.

The ensemble cast deserves praise for bright snippets. Amma Osei’s beautiful vocals in the La Traviata scene evoked opera’s emotional magic. Kyle Taylor Parker added heart to the production playing both the Happy Man as well as the stuffy hotel manager.

To see the full review of this show, read Laura's post here at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach

Not every movie or story needs to be made into a musical, and Pretty Woman the Musical is an example of why. Now playing at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, this music-backed take on the 1990 movie starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere loses charm and depth when placed into this new format.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona

Not every show has to break new ground or change the world. Some simply win you over with terrific performances, catchy songs, good comedy and a timeless story.   So, if you want the fairy tale, it play in Cleveland through March 27.

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Kill-Move-Paradise @ Dobama Theatre

Through March 27, 2022 

https://www.dobama.org/tickets-index

(216) 932-3396

 

Roy Berko

The Dobama production is brilliantly staged by Nathan Henry. The cast, Mell Bowens, Jr., Ananias J. Dixon, Aamar-Malik Culbreth and Daris Stubbs work as a well-oiled unit to create a vivid depiction of the misguided mistreatment of young black men in America! This is an absolute must see production!  As Donald Bianchi said, “Take the risk with us.  We are all in this together.  We all own it.”

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Sheri Gross

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

No matter what your faith, there is little to be hopeful about death...it is after all...death. This show manages to put the afterlife into an entirely new perspective...one of heartbreak, anger, joy, love and humanity with a touch of humor thrown in for balance. You will find yourself swept up in the feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety, laughter and anger but you will also walk away with an overpowering feeling of hope. Well done, Dobama Theatre.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

"...[a] powerful piece of theater, and we are honored to experience it."

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.